A lockdown system for use in a building including multiple rooms with doors providing access to the rooms, the lockdown system including: at least one room lockdown component provided in each of a plurality of the rooms, the room lockdown components comprising door-securing devices that are external of the doors and, in a deployed condition of the room lockdown components, are manually positioned inside said rooms to oppose inward movement of the doors and thereby block or secure the doors, the room lockdown components further characterized by a non-deployed condition in which the door-securing devices are positioned at storage locations inside the rooms, and wherein further each room lockdown component is operative to automatically signal initiation of a lockdown event when its door-securing device has been moved from its storage location; and at least one communication device operative to receive the signaled initiation of a lockdown event when any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations, and to provide an alert notification of the initiation of the lockdown event.
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2. The lockdown system of claim 1, wherein each of the room lockdown components is operative to automatically signal initiation of a lockdown event by communicating, via a wireless communication network, one or more state-indicating signals indicating when the door-securing device has been moved from its storage location.
3. The lockdown system of claim 2, further comprising smart light fixtures positioned inside the building, the smart light fixtures forming part of the wireless communication network.
4. The lockdown system of claim 3, wherein the smart light fixtures are positioned inside and/or outside at least the plurality of the rooms.
A system for controlling access to rooms within a building using smart light fixtures. The system addresses the need for enhanced security and access management in environments where traditional locks may be insufficient or inconvenient. The smart light fixtures are strategically placed both inside and outside multiple rooms to serve dual functions: illumination and access control. When activated, these fixtures can lock or unlock doors, restrict entry, or trigger alerts based on predefined conditions. The system integrates with sensors, cameras, or other monitoring devices to detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual activity. By combining lighting and security functions, the system provides a seamless and efficient way to manage room access while maintaining visibility and control over the premises. The smart light fixtures may communicate wirelessly with a central control unit or a mobile device, allowing remote monitoring and adjustments. This approach enhances security without requiring additional hardware, leveraging existing infrastructure for cost-effective and scalable access management.
5. The lockdown system of claim 3, wherein the wireless communication network is a mesh network.
A wireless communication network-based lockdown system is designed to enhance security in controlled environments by enabling rapid, coordinated lockdown procedures. The system includes a central controller that communicates with multiple wirelessly connected devices, such as sensors, actuators, and user interfaces, to monitor and control access points, alarms, and other security mechanisms. The system detects unauthorized access or security breaches and automatically triggers lockdown protocols, such as locking doors, activating alarms, or notifying authorities. The central controller also allows authorized personnel to manually initiate lockdowns or override existing conditions. The system ensures reliable communication and rapid response by utilizing a mesh network topology, where each device can relay signals to others, improving coverage and redundancy. This mesh network structure ensures that even if some nodes fail, the system remains operational, maintaining continuous security monitoring and control. The system is particularly useful in facilities requiring high security, such as prisons, government buildings, or critical infrastructure, where immediate and reliable lockdown capabilities are essential.
6. The lockdown system of claim 5, wherein the wireless communication network is a BLE mesh network.
8. The lockdown system of claim 7, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to initiate a lockdown of all or part of the building by effecting, via the wireless communication network, illumination of one or more of the plurality of smart light fixtures in the notification color.
This invention relates to a lockdown system for buildings, particularly for enhancing security and emergency response. The system addresses the need for rapid, coordinated communication during emergencies, such as security threats or natural disasters, to ensure occupant safety and facilitate evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures. The system includes a network of smart light fixtures distributed throughout the building, each capable of emitting light in multiple colors. A communication device, such as a control panel or mobile device, is used to initiate a lockdown. Upon activation, the system wirelessly transmits a signal to the smart light fixtures, instructing them to illuminate in a predefined notification color. This visual alert serves as a clear, immediate indication of a lockdown, ensuring occupants recognize the emergency and follow established protocols. The system may also allow for partial lockdowns, where only specific areas of the building are alerted, depending on the nature of the threat. The communication device may be integrated with other security systems, such as alarms or access control, to provide a comprehensive emergency response. The use of smart lighting ensures visibility even in low-light conditions and reduces reliance on audible alarms, which may not be effective in noisy environments. This approach enhances situational awareness and coordination during critical events.
9. The lockdown system of claim 8, wherein the at least one communication device is a primary communication and control (PCC) device disposed in the building.
A lockdown system for buildings includes a primary communication and control (PCC) device installed within the building to manage lockdown operations. The PCC device serves as the central hub for communication and control functions during a lockdown event. It coordinates with other components of the system, such as sensors, alarms, and access control mechanisms, to enforce lockdown protocols. The system is designed to enhance security by restricting access to the building or specific areas within it, ensuring the safety of occupants during emergencies. The PCC device may also facilitate communication between authorized personnel and emergency responders, providing real-time updates and control over lockdown status. The system is particularly useful in environments where rapid and coordinated lockdown responses are critical, such as schools, offices, or public facilities. The PCC device ensures that lockdown procedures are executed efficiently, minimizing risks and improving overall security measures.
10. The lockdown system of claim 9, further comprising at least one secondary communication and/or control device disposed in the building, the at least one secondary communication and/or control device in communication with the at least one PCC device and operative to receive notifications therefrom.
11. The lockdown system of claim 9, wherein the at least one communication device further comprises an external communication and control device provided at a location remote from the building, the external communication and control device in communication with, and operative to control, at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures configured to be selectively illuminated, wherein further the external communication and control device is operative to initiate a lockdown of all or part of the building by effecting, via the wireless communication network, illumination of one or more of the plurality of smart light fixtures in the notification color.
12. The lockdown system of claim 11, wherein the external communication and control device is in communication with at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures via the at least one PCC device.
13. The lockdown system of claim 11, wherein the external communication and control device is in communication with at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures solely via the at least one PCC device.
14. The lockdown system of claim 9, wherein the PCC device is operative to provide a visual display showing at least whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations.
15. The lockdown system of claim 7, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display depicting a map of the building showing the locations of at least the plurality of smart light fixtures configured to be selectively illuminated, the locations of the room lockdown components, and whether each of the room lockdown components is in the non-deployed condition.
16. The lockdown system of claim 15, wherein the illumination color of each of the said smart light fixtures may be independently selectively changed via the at least one communication device.
17. The lockdown system of claim 3, wherein further one or more of the smart light fixtures are operative to receive text messages and to convert those text messages into audio which emanates from one or more speakers provided in said one or more smart light fixtures, and wherein the at least one communication device is operative to convey text messages to said one or more smart light fixtures.
18. The lockdown system of claim 2, wherein the room lockdown components each comprise a storage device for storing the door-securing devices in the storage locations, and wherein further each storage device is operative to automatically communicate, via the wireless communication network, the one or more state-indicating signals when the door-securing device has been moved from its storage location.
19. The lockdown system of claim 18, wherein further each door-securing device is operative to automatically communicate, via the wireless communication network, the one or more state-indicating signals when the door-securing device has been moved from its storage location.
20. The lockdown system of claim 2, wherein each door-securing device has at least a first pin for insertion into a mating socket provided proximate a door to be secured, wherein further the room lockdown components are in the deployed condition when the at least first pin is received in the socket, and wherein further each room lockdown component is operative to automatically communicate to the at least one communication device, via the wireless communication network, when its door-securing device is in the deployed condition.
21. The lockdown system of claim 20, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display showing at least whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations and whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved to the deployed condition.
22. The lockdown system of claim 20, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display showing each door-securing device that has been moved from its storage location but has not been moved to the deployed condition within a predetermined period of time.
23. The lockdown system of claim 20, wherein the mating socket is operative to automatically communicate to the at least one communication device, via the wireless communication network, that the door-securing device is in the deployed condition of the room lockdown components when the at least first pin is received in the socket.
This invention relates to a lockdown system for securing a door, particularly in emergency situations. The system includes a door-securing device with room lockdown components that can be deployed to prevent the door from being opened. The system also includes a mating socket that interacts with at least one pin on the door-securing device. When the pin is received in the socket, the socket automatically communicates via a wireless communication network to at least one communication device. This communication indicates that the door-securing device is in its deployed condition, meaning the door is secured. The system ensures that emergency personnel or authorized users are notified when the door is locked down, enhancing safety and situational awareness. The wireless communication allows for remote monitoring and verification of the lockdown status, which is critical in high-risk environments such as schools, hospitals, or government buildings. The automatic communication feature eliminates the need for manual reporting, reducing response times and improving overall security protocols.
24. The lockdown system of claim 1, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to automatically notify one or more persons located outside of the building when a lockdown event has been initiated.
26. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein each of the room lockdown components is operative to automatically signal initiation of a lockdown event by communicating, via a wireless communication network, one or more state-indicating signals indicating when the door-securing device has been moved from its storage location.
27. The lockdown system of claim 26, wherein the smart light fixtures form part of the wireless communication network.
This invention relates to a lockdown system for securing a building or facility during an emergency. The system addresses the need for rapid, centralized control of access points and communication infrastructure to enhance safety and security during lockdown events. The system includes smart light fixtures that are integrated into a wireless communication network, allowing them to function as both illumination sources and network nodes. These smart light fixtures can transmit and receive data, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the lockdown status. The system also includes a central controller that communicates with the smart light fixtures and other networked devices to enforce lockdown protocols, such as locking doors, activating alarms, and restricting access. The smart light fixtures may also provide visual or auditory alerts to occupants, further enhancing situational awareness. By leveraging existing lighting infrastructure as part of the wireless communication network, the system reduces the need for additional hardware while improving responsiveness and reliability during emergencies.
28. The lockdown system of claim 27, wherein the wireless communication network is a mesh network.
A system for securing a physical area involves a lockdown mechanism that restricts access to the area in response to a security threat. The system includes sensors to detect unauthorized access or breaches, a control unit that processes sensor data to determine whether a lockdown is necessary, and actuators that physically secure entry points such as doors or gates. The control unit communicates with the actuators via a wireless communication network, which may be a mesh network. A mesh network enhances reliability by allowing multiple nodes to relay signals, ensuring continuous communication even if some nodes fail. The system may also include user interfaces for monitoring and controlling the lockdown remotely. The sensors can detect various types of breaches, such as forced entry or unauthorized access attempts, and trigger the lockdown automatically. The actuators can lock doors, activate barriers, or deploy other physical security measures. The mesh network configuration improves robustness by providing redundant communication paths, making the system more resilient to disruptions. The system may also integrate with existing security infrastructure, such as alarms or surveillance systems, to provide a comprehensive security solution.
30. The lockdown system of claim 26, wherein the room lockdown components each comprise a storage device for storing the door-securing devices in the storage locations, and wherein further each storage device is operative to automatically communicate, via the wireless communication network, the one or more state-indicating signals when the door-securing device has been moved from its storage location.
31. The lockdown system of claim 30, wherein each door-securing device has at least a first pin for insertion into a mating socket provided proximate a door to be secured, wherein further the room lockdown components are in the deployed condition when the at least first pin is received in the socket, and wherein further each room lockdown component is operative to automatically communicate to the at least one communication device, via the wireless communication network, when its door-securing device is in the deployed condition.
32. The lockdown system of claim 31, wherein the mating socket is operative to automatically communicate to the at least one communication device, via the wireless communication network, that the door-securing device is in the deployed condition of the room lockdown components when the at least first pin is received in the socket.
33. The lockdown system of claim 31, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display showing at least whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations and whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved to the deployed condition.
34. The lockdown system of claim 33, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display showing each door-securing device that has been moved from its storage location but has not been moved to the deployed condition within a predetermined period of time.
35. The lockdown system of claim 30, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display showing at least whether any one or more of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations.
This invention relates to a lockdown system for securing doors in a facility, particularly in emergency or high-security situations. The system addresses the need for centralized monitoring and control of door-securing devices, such as locks or bars, to ensure they remain in place and are not tampered with. The system includes multiple door-securing devices distributed across a facility, each capable of being moved between a storage location and a deployed position to secure a door. At least one communication device is integrated into the system to monitor the status of these door-securing devices. The communication device provides a visual display that indicates whether any of the door-securing devices have been moved from their storage locations. This allows personnel to quickly identify if a door-securing device has been tampered with or improperly moved, enhancing security and situational awareness. The system may also include sensors or actuators to detect movement or trigger alerts, ensuring real-time monitoring of the door-securing devices' positions. The visual display may show individual statuses or a summary view, helping users assess the overall security posture of the facility. This invention improves upon existing lockdown systems by providing clear, immediate feedback on the status of door-securing devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or breaches.
36. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to provide a visual display depicting a map of the building showing the locations of at least the plurality of smart light fixtures configured to be selectively illuminated, the locations of the room lockdown components, and whether each of the room lockdown components is in the non-deployed condition.
This invention relates to a building lockdown system designed to enhance security during emergencies. The system includes smart light fixtures and room lockdown components that can be remotely controlled to secure a building. The smart light fixtures are selectively illuminated to guide occupants to safety or indicate secure areas. Room lockdown components, such as door locks or barriers, can be transitioned between a non-deployed and deployed state to restrict access to specific rooms or zones. A key feature of the system is a communication device that provides a visual display, such as a map of the building. This map shows the locations of the smart light fixtures and the room lockdown components. The display also indicates whether each lockdown component is in a non-deployed state, allowing security personnel or administrators to monitor the system's status in real time. This visualization helps ensure that all critical areas are properly secured during an emergency, improving situational awareness and response efficiency. The system integrates these elements to provide a coordinated approach to building security, enhancing both safety and control during lockdown scenarios.
37. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein the at least one communication device is a primary communication and control (PCC) device disposed in the building.
38. The lockdown system of claim 37, further comprising at least one secondary communication and/or control device disposed in the building, the at least one secondary communication and/or control device in communication with the at least one PCC device and operative to receive notifications therefrom.
39. The lockdown system of claim 37, wherein the at least one communication device further comprises an external communication and control device provided at a location remote from the building, the external communication and control device in communication with, and operative to control, at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures configured to be selectively illuminated, wherein further the external communication and control device is operative to initiate a lockdown of all or part of the building by remotely effecting illumination of one or more of the plurality of smart light fixtures in the notification color.
40. The lockdown system of claim 39, wherein the external communication and control device is in communication with at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures via the at least one PCC device.
41. The lockdown system of claim 39, wherein the external communication and control device is in communication with at least the plurality of the smart light fixtures solely via the at least one PCC device.
42. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein the smart light fixtures are positioned inside and/or outside at least the plurality of the rooms.
43. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein the illumination color of each of the said smart light fixtures may be independently selectively changed via the at least one communication device.
This invention relates to a lockdown system for controlling smart light fixtures in a building or facility. The system addresses the need for enhanced security and communication during lockdown situations, such as emergencies or unauthorized access, by dynamically adjusting the lighting conditions to alert occupants and deter intruders. The system includes multiple smart light fixtures distributed throughout the facility, each capable of emitting light in different colors. A communication device, such as a central control unit or a mobile device, is used to manage the lighting settings. The system allows for selective activation of the smart light fixtures, enabling specific areas to be illuminated or dimmed as needed. Additionally, the illumination color of each smart light fixture can be independently adjusted via the communication device. This feature enables customizable visual alerts, such as using red for danger or blue for evacuation routes, to improve situational awareness and coordination during a lockdown. The system may also integrate with other security measures, such as alarms or access control systems, to provide a comprehensive response to security threats. The ability to individually control the color of each light fixture enhances flexibility and adaptability in different emergency scenarios.
44. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein further one or more of the smart light fixtures are operative to receive text messages and to convert those text messages into audio which emanates from one or more speakers provided in said one or more smart light fixtures, and wherein the at least one communication device is operative to convey text messages to said one or more smart light fixtures.
45. The lockdown system of claim 25, wherein the at least one communication device is operative to automatically notify one or more persons located outside of the building when a lockdown event has been initiated.
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July 27, 2020
November 8, 2022
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